The Unlit Incense Chapter 2

So he sent the girl he cherished most to the other side of the world. And to distract me, he began his string of affairs.

For two years, he flew abroad countless times to see her. He spoiled her, coddled her, and in doing so, made her bolder.

She even started to provoke me.

Today is my birthday.

She sent me a text:

[Happy birthday, Aunt Evelyn.]

[But I'm not feeling well. I miss my uncle. I want him to come and be with me.]

[Who do you think he'll choose? You, or me?]

Today is my birthday.

Simon told me he had a business trip overseas.

"I'll make it up to you when I get back," he promised. "Tell me what you want, and I'll bring it home."

Simon had a new assistant. She was a fiery, flamboyant woman who moved with a sharp, confident energy. She clicked across the marble floor in her high heels and let herself in with a key code, not even bothering to knock.

Her eyes swept over me, a dismissive sneer on her face. "Mrs. Graham. I'm here to pack Mr. Graham's luggage."

She didn't wait for a reply, striding past me. But then she stopped, a sly look in her eyes.

"Mrs. Graham, could you do me a favor and run upstairs?" she asked. "I need the third and fifth suits from the middle wardrobe. As for underwear, the new ones I bought are in the second drawer. I'm sure you can find them."

She smiled sweetly, bending over to rub her knee. "I wouldn't want to trouble you," she said, her voice dripping with false sincerity. "But Mr. Graham is so rough. He had me on my knees all night. They're still swollen."

I listened quietly, a freshly cut rose in my hand. With a single, sharp snip, I severed the stem. The cut was clean, but it ruined the flower's beauty. I sighed with mock regret and tossed it into the trash.

I set down the shears and gave her a soft, fragile smile.

"Simon said he needed to bring a contract with him. I'm not sure which one it is. Could you come help me find it?"

My reaction made her frown, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face.

I lowered my head. "Never mind. You probably wouldn't know. I'll just call him."

"How could I not know? I handle all of Mr. Graham's affairs," she declared, her chin held high. "Show me where it is."

"Of course."

I led her down the hall, around a corner, and down a flight of stairs to the basement level.

"Where are we? What is this place? Why would a contract be down here?"

"This is the darkroom, for developing film. Simon brought the contract in here a couple of days ago. It's on that table over there. Go see."

She walked in without a second thought. "Where's the light..."

Before she could finish, I stared coldly at her back and slammed the heavy door shut.

"What are you doing? Evelyn, what are you doing? Let me out!"

My voice was flat, devoid of emotion. "You've worked so hard. You should rest for a couple of days. Don't see anyone."

Camilla's texts were still on my phone screen. I picked it up and replied: [Simon can't make it. Be careful what you wish for. You might just get it.]

I blocked her number and deleted the conversation. Then I dialed Simon.

"Hello, Evie..."

"Your assistant. I've locked her up."

The line went dead silent. After five long seconds, Simon's voice exploded in a furious roar.

"What did you do to her? Evelyn, what did you do?"

I idly toyed with a fruit knife. "Don't worry, she can still scream. Do you want to listen? Oh, wait, there's no signal down there. You won't be able to hear a thing."

I continued in a conversational tone. "Let me repeat what she said. She said you won't let me get away with this. She said when you find out, you'll kill me."

Something in that sentence triggered him. He growled my name. "Evelyn."

A delighted laugh escaped my lips. "Actually, I've been wanting to ask you something. Simon, if I were to kill her, would you call the police on me, or would you help me bury the body?"

"Evelyn... Evie, I'm sorry!" His voice trembled, but he forced himself to speak slowly, calmly. "I'm on my way back now. Just wait for me. Don't do anything foolish. Evie, it's all my fault. I'm not going anywhere. I'll stay home and celebrate your birthday with you. I'll even make you longevity noodles..."

"You haven't answered my question, Simon. Answer me. Are you the informant, or the accomplice?" My voice was a soft, gentle whisper.

His breathing, once heavy and ragged, slowly evened out. He took a deep breath, and his voice was a low murmur, almost a prayer. "I'm your accomplice."